New Brunswick has launched a new pilot project to help treat major depressive disorder.

The treatment, known as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, is now covered by Medicare

It uses brief pulses of electrical current through a non-invasive procedure to influence electrical activity in the brain.

Officials said this treatment is key as at least one-third of people with major depressive disorder do not respond to antidepressants or psychotherapy.

Researchers have found the treatment has a 75 per cent response rate and 49 per cent remission rate.

It is currently being offered at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital in Fredericton and at community clinics in Saint John and Moncton.

Up to 200 patients are expected to be treated as part of the two-year pilot project, which will cost $4.4 million.